TCC BASKETBALL: Madison girls look to repeat as league champs

After a record-breaking campaign last winter, the Madison High School girls basketball team will look to repeat as Tri-County Conference champions this season.

"Even though we lost five great seniors, I think we will have very good depth and a considerable amount of experience," Madison coach Rick McNeil said. "We have nine girls on the team, and all of them should be able to receive a considerable amount of playing time."

Madison went 22-2 overall last season and 14-0 in the TCC to win its first league title since 1982. The Trojans posted a school-record 22-game win streak.

"I think that the TCC will be good once again, and I believe we should be a serious contender for the conference title," McNeil said.

SAND CREEK: Former Sand Creek and Concordia University standout Catherine Herriman enters her first season as coach for the Aggies.

"We plan to go all out, all game, every game, leaving everything on the floor and worrying only about what we can control, so the wins and losses take care of themselves," Herriman said. "We are a relatively young team with not much varsity experience, but the team is really coming together and pushing each other daily to work toward our goals.

"I have no doubt that we will be able to achieve our goals this season with the leadership of the upperclassmen along with the heart and hustle from the underclassmen."

Sand Creek finished 14-8 overall last season and placed second in the TCC.

Senior guard Gabrielle Herriman and senior Elizabeth Herriman both received All-State honorable mention last season from the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan. Gabrielle Herriman led the TCC in scoring during league play and earned All-County first team and All-TCC first team honors. Elizabeth Herriman ranked third in the county in scoring and garnered All-County second team and All-TCC first team accolades.

"I believe there will be many close games in the TCC this year, and the title is up for grabs," Catherine Herriman said. "Sand Creek is definitely in the running for that title."

BRITTON DEERFIELD: The Patriots return four starters and hope to contend for their first TCC crown.

"If we work hard and play our type of basketball the way we are capable and stay healthy, everything will take care of itself," BD coach Craig Tanis said. "We are looking forward to an exciting season."

BD went 12-11 overall (6-8 TCC) last season. The Patriots won their district title and finished with a winning record for the first time in program history.

Cambria Handy leads the returning starters. Handy, an All-TCC first team and All-County second team performer, ranked second in the county last season in scoring, rebounds and free-throw shooting.

CLINTON: Despite four new starters in their lineup, the Redskins look to utilize their strength in the post and make noise in the TCC race.

"This is an athletic group of girls who are ready to take on the challenges of the season," Clinton coach Ben Murray said. "An experienced frontcourt will be the guiding force for the team this year. With so much youth, we have a lot of energy, and a lot of girls that are excited to make their varsity debut.

"Four starters graduated last year, and many girls are hungry to get out on the court and prove themselves to the local basketball community."

"This year we will be very fast and quick," Morenci coach Tim Yatzek said. "Our team is rather young, so we need to get our freshmen up to par. As a team we are very talented. Physically we're there. We just need to get mentally ready to play ball and not think too much."